Design Engineering Services - College Avenue Streetscape

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
Issue Date: May 12, 2026
Last Date for Questions: No later than May 22, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST)
Due Date: No later than June 2, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST)
Prevailing Wages: Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12)
DOES APPLY
DOES NOT APPLY
To be considered responsive, the following documents shall be included with your submittal:
Fee Proposal Form (Exhibit D)
Notice of Deviations Form (Exhibit E)
Listing of Subcontractors, Consultants and Agents Form (Exhibit F)
Vendor Certification Form (Exhibit G)
Vendor Information Reporting Form (Exhibit H)
W-9 Form
The successful Vendor will be required to submit the following additional documents:
Certificate of Insurance with signed endorsements
Signed Agreement
Vendor Information Form
Page 1 of 1
Notice to Bidders

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
INTRODUCTION
The City of Wheaton ("City") invites proposals from qualified firms to provide professional
planning and design services for a Conceptual Streetscape Study of College Avenue between
President Street and Hill Avenue. This corridor is a single block of mixed-use and retail frontage
adjacent to the College Avenue Metra station and represents an opportunity to improve
pedestrian comfort, reconfigure on-street parking, and enhance the block's character.
The purpose of this Conceptual Design Study is to produce two to three design alternatives for
City staff review and to support an informed decision by the City Council regarding whether and
how to proceed with detailed engineering and construction. This is a planning and design services
engagement; it does not include engineering drawings, permitting, or construction management.
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT CONTEXT
The City is initiating this study to explore options to upgrade its pedestrian infrastructure and
beautify a one-block stretch of College Avenue between President Street and Hill Avenue,
adjacent to retail businesses, apartment buildings and near the College Avenue Metra station.
Currently, the block lacks cohesive streetscape amenities such as street trees, seating, and
pedestrian-scale lighting. This study will explore feasible and desirable improvements before
committing resources to engineering and construction. Options include widening the sidewalk,
reconfiguring the on-street parking, and adding amenities. See below for an image of the location,
the project limits are shown in the red rectangle.
The street includes retail, apartment housing, and food service tenants. The consultant with the
collaboration of the City must engage informally with property owners, including business owners
and residents, on the block to understand operational concerns (e.g., delivery access, parking,
seasonal considerations) prior to developing design alternatives. The selected client is required
to attend one meeting with property owners; respondents should note their capacity in their
proposal.
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
PROJECT LOCATION MAP
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected consultant shall complete the following tasks. All work shall be performed in close
coordination with City staff.
Task 1 - Existing Conditions Documentation
The consultant shall document the existing conditions of the project corridor, including:
* Full topographic survey of entire right-of-way, including current sidewalk widths, curb-to-
building dimensions, on-street parking configuration (stall count, orientation, and
dimensions), existing street trees (trees to be surveyed streetside) and landscaping,
visible utility infrastructure, and finished floor/door elevations to be taken at each
entryway and at any existing stairs/steps.
* Photographic documentation of the block from both pedestrian and street perspectives
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
* Review of available City GIS data, right-of-way records, and any prior planning
documents relevant to the corridor
* Identification of constraints and opportunities, including ADA Compliance gaps, utility
conflicts, and building setback conditions
Deliverable: Point-file, AutoCAD drawings, Existing Conditions Summary memorandum with
photographs, base plan, and annotated constraints map.
Task 2 - Design Alternatives
Based on the existing conditions analysis, the consultant shall develop two to three distinct
conceptual design alternatives for the College Avenue corridor. Alternatives shall meaningfully
differ in their approach to the key tradeoffs on this block, specifically, the balance between
sidewalk width and on-street parking supply. Each alternative shall address
* Sidewalk widening strategy (extent and approach)
* On-street parking reconfiguration (stall count, orientation, and any proposed changes to
geometry)
* Street tree and landscaping opportunities within the reconfigured right-of-way
* Pedestrian amenity locations (benches, bike parking, lighting, planters) consistent with
each alternative's available space
* Pedestrian and vehicular access continuity, including ADA-compliant curb ramps,
PROWAG compliance, and any changes to curb cuts or delivery access
Each alternative shall be illustrated with a dimensioned plan view drawing suitable for
presentation to City staff and, subsequently, City Council. Perspective sketches or renderings are
encouraged but not required. The consultant shall identify the key tradeoffs associated with each
alternative in plain language.
Deliverable: Two to three conceptual design alternatives presented in plan view with a written
summary of tradeoffs for each.
Task 3 - Preliminary Cost Estimates
The consultant shall prepare an order-of-magnitude construction cost estimate for each design
alternative. Estimates shall be presented at a level of detail appropriate for a conceptual study
(i.e., unit cost assumptions by major elements such as sidewalk reconstruction, curbing,
landscaping, site furnishings, etc.). Estimates shall identify assumptions and note the expected
range of accuracy.
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
Deliverable: Cost estimate matrix comparing alternatives with key assumptions noted.
Task 4 - Summary Report and Staff Presentation
The consultant shall compile the findings from Tasks 1 through 3 into a concise summary report
suitable for internal City staff review and for presentation to the City Council. Consultant shall be
available to present the findings at a City Council meeting if requested by the staff.
Deliverable: Summary report (PDF and editable format), attendance at one staff review meeting,
and attendance at Council meeting if deemed necessary
PROJECT LIMITS AND CONSTRAINTS:
The project area is defined as the College Avenue right-of-way from its intersection at President
Street on the west to its intersection at Hill Avenue on the east, encompassing the street and its
associated sidewalk, on-street parking, and tree lawn. The following are explicitly outside the
scope of this engagement:
* The Metra College Avenue station, platforms, and any Metra-owned property
* All parking lots south of College Avenue right-of-way
* The College Avenue and Hill Avenue intersection (may be noted as a future
consideration, but is not to be designed under this scope)
* Engineering drawings, construction documents, permit applications, or construction
management services
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
The City of Wheaton asks that your response include the following information, in tabbed
sections, for evaluation. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT PERFORATED PAGES, NOR BIND YOUR
PROPOSAL IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN PAPER CLIPS OR BINDER CLIPS.
1) Cover Letter
A brief cover letter (one page maximum) signed by an authorized representative of the
firm, confirming the firm's interest and availability to complete the work within the
proposed schedule.
2) Firm Qualifications and Experience
A description of the firm's relevant experience, with an emphasis on comparable
streetscape conceptual studies or downtown corridor design projects in Illinois
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
municipalities. Include at least three recent project examples with the following for
each:
* Project name, location, and client
* Scope of services provided
* Project budget (design fees and, if applicable, estimated construction cost)
* Contact information for a client reference
3) Project Team
Identification of the proposed project team, including the project manager and any sub-
consultants. For each team member, provide a brief biography and their role on this
project. The City does not prescribe a required firm type; respondents may propose any
team configuration (landscape architecture, planning, architecture, urban design, or a
combination) provided the team demonstrates relevant experience with similar urban
streetscape design work.
4) Technical Approach and Methodology
A narrative (two pages maximum) describing the consultant's proposed approach to this
project, including how the firm will approach the existing conditions assessment, how it
will structure design alternatives to meaningfully differentiate options, and how it will
manage coordination with City staff. Respondents must describe their approach to
engaging business owners informally as part of the process.
5) Proposed Schedule
A proposed project schedule from notice to proceed through delivery of the final
summary report. The City's preference is to receive the final deliverables within 90 days
of notice to proceed. Respondents may propose a different timeline with justification.
6) Fee Proposal
An hourly fee not to exceed proposal for all services described in Section 3, organized by
task. Respondents shall include an hourly rate schedule for any work performed outside
the defined scope. The fee proposal may be submitted as a separate sealed attachment
if the respondent prefers to keep it separate from the technical proposal for evaluation
purposes; the City will accept either format.
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
EVALUATION
City staff shall evaluate the proposals based on, but not limited to, the criteria listed below.
* Project Understanding
* Project Team and Experience
* Firm Experience and References
* Fee Proposal
Throughout the evaluation process, the City, at its sole discretion, may request additional written
clarifications and/or supplemental information from firms as part of the initial evaluation process.
DUE DATE FOR WRITTEN QUESTIONS
All questions concerning this solicitation shall be directed, in writing, to Tony Sperkowski at
asperkowski@wheaton.il.us. To be considered, written inquiries shall be received by May 22,
2026, at 11:00 am (CST).
ADDENDA
Questions shall be responded to in the form of a written addenda and published on the City's
website and on DemandStar.com. Each Vendor shall acknowledge receipt of any addenda on the
Fee Proposal form. Each Vendor, by acknowledging receipt of any addenda, is responsible for the
content of the addenda and any changes to the project. Failure to acknowledge issued addenda
may cause a submittal to be rejected.
RFP SUBMITTAL
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT PERFORATED PAGES, NOR BIND YOUR PROPOSAL IN ANYTHING OTHER
THAN PAPER CLIPS OR BINDER CLIPS.
Submittals must be received by June 2, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST). Late submissions will not be
accepted.
Submit one (1) original hard copy to:
City of Wheaton
303 W. Wesley Street - 1st Floor Finance Counter
Wheaton, IL 60187-0727
Attn: Tony Sperkowski, Procurement Officer
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
All hard copy submittals shall be in a sealed envelope marked with the following information:
* RFP Name & Number
* RFP Closing Date
* RFP Closing Time
* Vendor Name and address
It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure that their submittal is delivered by the stated
date/time. The City is not responsible for misdirected packages.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Vendors claiming any portion of their proposal as proprietary or confidential must specifically
identify what documents or portions of documents they consider confidential. Failure to do so
may result in information becoming public record.
CITY'S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (EXHIBIT B)
The attached 'Draft' agreement is the City's standard Professional Services Agreement which
specifically outlines the contractual liabilities and shall be used for this project. In submitting a
proposal, the Vendor agrees to enter into an agreement with the City of Wheaton utilizing the
City's standard Professional Services Agreement.
COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING
All costs incurred by the Vendor for proposal preparation and participation in this procurement
shall be the sole responsibility of the Vendor. The City shall not reimburse any Vendors for such
costs.
BONDS
None required.
INSURANCE (EXHIBIT C)
The Vendor must carry and maintain adequate insurance consistent with the requirements listed
in Exhibit C-Insurance Requirements. Provide a current Certificate of Insurance with bid as proof
of insurance.
NO RESPONSE TO RFP
If unable to submit a response, please return the 'No Participation' form included in the RFP.
Scope of Services
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EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SOLICITATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Solicitations are open to all qualified firms actively engaged in providing the services specified and inferred.
Active engagement will be verified via references.
1) SOLICITATION PROCESS:
a) Request for Proposal: The City of Wheaton solicits qualified firms for Professional Services. Firms are
qualified based on:
i) A public formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP).
ii) Prior experience with the City's facilities, equipment, infrastructure, or issue at hand.
b) A formalRFQ or RFP is submitted to qualified firms.
c) It is the responsibility of the Proposer to seek clarification of any requirement that may not be clear.
Questions concerning this request shall be submitted via e-mail to the attention of the Procurement
Officer by the last date for questions as reflected on the Notice to Bidders. A written response in the
form of an addendum will be posted on the City's website for all Proposers to download. It is the
responsibility of the Proposer to review all addendums.
d) Proposers shall acknowledge the receipt of any addendum on their proposal.
2) THE CONE OF SILENCE:
a) The Cone of Silence is designed to protect the integrity of the procurement process by shielding it from
undue influences.
b) During the period beginning with the issuance of the RFQ or RFP through the execution of the award
document, Proposers are prohibited from all communications regarding this request with City staff, City
consultants, City legal counsel, City agents, or elected officials.
c) Any attempt by a Proposer to influence a member or members of the aforementioned may be grounds
to disqualify the Proposer from participation in this solicitation.
d) Exceptions to the Cone of Silence:
* Written communications directed to the Procurement Officer.
* All communications occurring at pre-bid meetings.
* Oral presentations during finalist interviews, negotiation proceedings, or site visits.
* Oral presentations before publicly noticed committee meetings.
* Firms already on contract with the City to perform services for the City are allowed discussions
necessary for the completion of an existing contract.
* Procurement of goods or services for emergency situations.
3) INVESTIGATION:
a) It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to make any and all investigations necessary to become
thoroughly informed of what is required and specified.
b) If the site of the work is an area restricted from the general public, an opportunity will be provided for
Proposers to perform this inspection.
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General Instructions Regarding Solicitations for Professional Services

EXHIBIT A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #26-89
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES - COLLEGE AVENUE STREETSCAPE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SOLICITATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
c) If the site of the work is an area open to the general public, the Proposer may perform their inspection
at a time of their choosing.
4) PROPOSALS:
a) Proposals must reference the project name and date of the RFQ or RFP. Documents should not utilize
binders, folders, or papers larger than 8.5 x 11.
b) Delivery of a proposal is acceptance of the City's Agreement. Proposals containing terms and conditions
contrary to those specified may be considered non-responsive.
5) SIGNATURES AS OFFER:
a) Under the conditions of the Uniform Commercial Code, the signing of the proposal by the Proposer
constitutes an offer. If accepted by the City, the offer becomes part of the Agreement.
b) Offers by:
* Individuals or sole proprietorships shall be signed by a person with the authority to enter into legal
binding contracts. Said individual shall use his/her usual signature.
* Partnerships shall be signed with partnership name by one of the members of the partnership, or an
authorized representative, followed by the signature and title of the person signing.
* Corporations shall be signed with the name of the corporation, followed by the signature and title of
person authorized to bind it in the matter.
6) WITHDRAWAL OF OFFERS:
a) Offers may be withdrawn at any time prior to the due date. Requests to withdraw an offer shall be in
writing, properly signed, and received by the Procurement Officer prior to the due date.
b) Offers may not be withdrawn after the due date without the approval of the Procurement Officer.
c) Negligence in preparing an offer confers no right of withdrawal after opening / due date.
7) TIMEFRAME AND CONSEQUENCES:
a) Offers must be received before the designated time.
b) Offers received after the designated time will be returned to the sender without review. Offers received
late that may be attributed to delays by overnight delivery services, or by delivery services trying to
deliver when offices are closed, will be considered late, and returned to the sender.
c) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, offers shall be binding for ninety (90) calendar days
following due date.
8) RECEIPT OF FORMAL OFFERS:
a) Formal offers by sealed envelope will be opened at the time and location stated.
9) TAXES:
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General Instructions Regarding Solicitations for Professional Services